Maternal factors associated with low-birth-weight deliveries in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria
Main Article Content
Keywords
Health facilities, low birth weight, neonates, maternal factors
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is an essential marker of foetal health that is predictive of mortality in childhood, stunting and adult-onset chronic conditions globally. Approximately 20 million LBW births occur every year globally, with 96.5% of them in developing countries. LBW contributes to 60%-80% of all neonatal deaths globally, and the rates have remained high in developing countries such as Nigeria.Reduction in the incidence of LBW is associated with reduced neonatal mortality and improved life outcomes.Hence, this study sought to evaluate the maternal factors associated with LBW amongst neonates delivered in health facilities in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in eight selected health facilities at different levels of care within Makurdi metropolis. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 202 mothers when they presented in labour in the selected facilities, and data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 23
Results: Among the 202 mothers, there were 24 LBW deliveries (11.7%). Of these 24 LBW neonates, 75% (18) were term, while 25% (6) were preterm. Factors significantly associated with LBW included: gestational age at birth (p = 0.028), type of gestation (p = 0.004), non-booking for antenatal care (p = 0.040), place of antenatal care (p = 0.028), and hypertension in pregnancy (p = 0.033). Mothers who did not book for Antenatal care (ANC) (aOR= 6.32, 95% CI=1.24 – 32.21) were 6.32 times more likely to have LBW.
Conclusion: Lack of antenatal care and hypertension in pregnancy are significant modifiable maternal factors associated with LBW in Makurdi. Hence, education and practice of early and adequate ANC is recommended.
References
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2. United Nations Children’s Fund and World Health Organisation, Low Birth Weight: Country, Regional and Global Estimates. UNICEF, New York, 2004.
3. Macdonald PD, Ross SRM, Grant L, Young D. Neonatal weight loss in breast and formula-fed infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2003;88(6):F472-6
4. Kramer MS. Determinants of low birth weight: methodological assessment and meta-analysis. Bull World Health Organ 1987;65(5):663-737.
5. Carlo WA. Prematurity and Intrauterine Growth Restriction, In: Kleigman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF (eds). Nelson Textbook of Paediatrics, 20th ed. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company 2015:821-824.
6. Blencowe H, Cousens S, Oestergaard M, Chou D, Moller AB, Narwal R, et al. National, regional and worldwide estimates of preterm birth rates in the year 2010 with time trends since 1990 for selected countries: A systematic analysis and implications. Lancet. 2012;379(9832):2162-72 Doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60820-4.
7. Blencowe H, Krasevec J, De Onis M, Black RE, An X, Stevens GA, et al. National, regional, and worldwide estimates of low birthweight in 2015, with trends from 2000: a systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2019;7:e849-60 Doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30565-5
8. Zerbeto AB, Cortelo FM, Elio Filho BC. Association between gestational age and birth weight on the language development of Brazilian children: A systematic review. JPediatr(Rio J). 2015;91(4):326-32. Doi:10.1016/j.jped.2014.11.003
9. Danborno B, Vondun ZB, Timbuak JA, Danborno AM. Relationship between birthweight and school performance of children in Zaria, Nigeria. Annals of Biological Research. 2014;5(10):21-25
10. WHO. Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health. Care of the preterm and Low birth weight newborn. World Prematurity Day- 17 November 2018. https://www.who.int Accessed Dec 18, 2020
11. World Health Organization. Global nutrition targets 2025: low birth weight policy brief (WHO/NMH/NHD/14.5). WHO, Geneva, 2014. www.who.int/nutrition Accessed Aug 24, 2020.
12. Lopez NB, Choonara I. Can we reduce the number of low-birth-weight babies? The Cuban experience. Neonatology. 2009;95:193–197 Doi: 10.1159/000155649
13. Ezugwu EC, Onah HE, Odetunde IO, Azubuike JC. Singleton Low Birth Weight Babies at a Tertiary Hospital in Enugu, South East Nigeria. Internet J Gynecol Obstet. 2009; 14(1):1-5 Doi:10.5580/20d9
14. Ugboma HAA, Onyearugha CN. Low Birth Weight delivery: Prevalence and associated factors as seen at a tertiary health facility. Niger J Clin Pract 2013;16:184-7. Doi:10.4103/1119-3077.110145
15. Mbazor OJ, Umeora OUJ. Incidence and Risk factors for Low Birth Weight among term singletons at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract 2007; 10(2);95-99
16. United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), ‘Levels & Trends in Child Mortality: Report 2023, Estimates Developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation’, United Nations Children’s Fund, New York, 2024.
17. National Bureau of Statistics and United Nations Children's Fund. Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2016-17 Survey Finding Report. 2017;69:510p. NBS & UNICEF, Abuja, Nigeria. https://nigerianstat.gov.ng Accessed Jan 30, 2019.
18. World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund. Global nutrition targets 2030: low birth weight brief. WHO & UNICEF, Geneva, 2025. Doi.10.2471/B09402
19. Ochoga MO, Abah RO, Michael A, Yaguo Ide LE, Onalo R, Idoko A, et al. Retrospective assessment of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the special care baby unit of a private health facility in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Niger J Paediatr. 2020;47(4):353–7. Doi:10.4314/njp.v47i4.9
20. Sicuri E, Bardaji A, Sigauque B, Maixenchs M, Nhalcolo A, Nhalungo D, et al. Costs associated with low birth weight in a rural area of Southern Mozambique. PLoS ONE 2011;6(12): e28744 Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0028744
21. Federal Ministry of Health. Nigeria EveryNewborn Action Plan: A plan to end preventablenewborn deaths in Nigeria. FMoH. A b u j a, Nigeria. 2016.https://www.health.gov.ng Accessed 6thSeptember, 2020
22. National Population Commission. National Population Commission and National Bureau of Statistics Estimates. https://nigerianstat.gov.ng. Accessed Apr. 23, 2022
23. Ogunlesi TA, Dedeke IOF, Kuponiyi OT. Socioeconomic Classification of Children Attending Specialist Pediatric Centres in Ogun State, Nigeria. Niger Med Pract 2008;54(1):21-25
24. Fenton TR, Kim JH. A systematic review and meta-analysis to revise the Fenton growth chart for preterm infants. BMC Pediatrics 2013; 13:59 Doi:10.1186/1471-2431-13-59
25. Yilgwan CS, Abok II, Yinnang WD, Vajime BA. Prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight in Jos. Jos Journal of Medicine 2009; 4: 13-15.
26. Ndu IK, Edelu BO, Uwaezuoke S, Chinawa JC, Ubesie A. Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Neonates: A Multi- Centre, Cross Sectional study in a developing country. J Neonatal Biol 2015;4(3):190. Doi:10.4172/2167-0897.1000190
27. Oladeinde HB, Oladeinde OB, Omoregie R,Onifade AA. Prevalence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight : The situation in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria. Afri Health Sci. 2015;15(4):1123-9. Doi:10.4314/ahs.v15i4.10
28. Onyiriuka AN. Trends in incidence of delivery of low birth weight infants in Benin city, southern Nigeria. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2006; 13(3):189-194
29. Takai UI, Bukar M, Audu MB. A prospective study of maternal risk factors for low birth weight babies in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria. Niger J Basic Clin Sci. 2014;11(2):89-98 Doi:10.4103/0331-8540.140353
30. Isiugo-Abanihe UC, Oke OA. Maternal and environmental factors influencing infant birth weight in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Population Studies. 2011; 25(2):250-266
31. Susan Feigelman. Assessment of Fetal Growth and Development. In: Kleigman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF (eds). Nelson Textbook of Paediatrics, 20th ed. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company 2015:60-62
32. Hambidge KM, Krebs NF. Strategies for optimizing maternal nutrition to promote infant development. Reprod Health. 2018;15:93–9. Doi:10.1186/s12978-018-0534-3
33. Brink LR, Bender TM, Davies R, Luo H, Miketinas D, Shah N, et al. Optimizing Maternal Nutrition: The Importance of a Tailored Approach. Curr Dev Nutr 2022;6:nzac118. Doi:10.1093/CDN/NZAC118
34. Onyiriuka AN. Incidence Of Delivery of low Birthweight Infants In Twin Gestations. Niger J Clin Pract. 2010;13(4):365-370
35. Ezeaka VC, Ekure EN, Iroha EO, Egri-Okwaji MT. Outcome of low birth weight neonates in a tertiary health care centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Afr J Med Med Sci. 2004;33(4):299-303
36. Eka PO, Swende TZ, Ojabo AO, Utoo BT, Ochejele S, Maanongun MT et al. Review of twin deliveries in Makurdi, North Central, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific Research. 2018;7(3):10-12
37. Avwerhota O, Avwerhota M, Daniel E, Popoola T, Popoola I, Ogun A, et al. Determinants of Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Nigeria. American Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences. 2024;5:77–87 Doi:10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.15
38. Amosu AM, Atulomah NOS, Olanrewaju MF, Akintunde TI, Babalola AO, Akinnuga AM et al. Retrospective study of some factors influencing delivery of low birth weight babies in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Sci Res Essays. 2011; 6(2):236-240. Doi:10.5897/SRE10.327
39. Agorinya IA, Kanmiki EW, Nonterah EA, Tediosi F, Akazili J, Welega P et al. Socio-demographic determinants of low birth weight: Evidence from the Kassena-Nankana districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana.PLoSONE. 2018;(13)11:e0206207. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0206207
40. Mohammed S, Bonsing I, Yakubu I, Wondong WP. Maternal obstetric and socio-demographic determinants of low birth weight: A retrospective cross-sectional study in Ghana. Reprod Health. 2019;16:70. Doi:10.1186/s12978-019-0742-5
41. Wharton B. Causes of Low birth weight in developing countries. www.nestlenutrition-institute.org Accessed December 18, 2020.
42. Mohamed S, Chipeta MG, Kamninga T, Nthakomwa L, Chifungo C, Mzembe T, et al. Interventions to prevent unintended pregnancies among adolescents: a rapid overview of systematic reviews. Systematic reviews. 2023: 12(1):198. Doi:10.1186/s13643-023-02361-8
43. Boahen EA, Yamauchi C. The effect of female education on adolescent fertility and early marriage: Evidence from Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education in Ghana. J Afr Econ. 2018;27(2):227–248. Doi: 10.1093/jae/ejx025
44. Yadav DK, Chaudhary U, Shrestha N. Risk factors associated with Low Birth Weight. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2011;9(19):159-64.
45. Patale PJ, Masare MS, Bansode-Gokhe SS. A study of epidemiological co-relates of low birth weight babies born in tertiary care hospital. Int J Res Med Sci 2018;6(3):1006-10. Doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms2018631
46. Kastro S, Demisse T, Yohannes B. Low birth weight among term newborns in Wolaito Sodo town, South Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2018; 18:160 Doi:10.1186/s12884-018-1789-y
47. Ningrum EW, Lusmilasari L, Huriyati E, Marthias T, Hasanbasri M. Improving maternal health literacy among low-income pregnant women: A systematic review. Narra J. 2024;4(2):e886. Doi:10.52225/narra.v4i2.886
48. Nawabi F, Krebs F, Vennedey V, Shukri A, Lorenz L, Stock S. Health literacy in pregnant women: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(7):3847. Doi:10.3390/ijerph18073847
49. Barua A, Hazarika J, Dutta S. Correlates of Low Birth Weight: A Hospital-Based Study from Gangtok, India. Global Pediatric Health 2014: 1-5 Doi:10.1177/2333794X14562229
50. Syed W, Kamathi VC. Maternal Short stature: A risk factor for Low birth weight in neonates. J Med Allied Sci 2012; 2(2):62-65
51. Thomson K, Moffat M, Arisa O, Jesurasa A, Richmond C, Odeniyi A, et al. Socioeconomic inequalities and adverse pregnancy outcomes in the UK and Republic of Ireland: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2021;11(3):e042753. Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042753.
52. Esther AQ, Yahaya H, Esther AO, Aboagye-Mensah P, Blessing AJ, Ikome TE. A Scoping Review on Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Antenatal Care Utilisation and Pregnancy Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. medRxiv 2024;2024.01.11.24301063. Doi:10.1101/2024.01.11.24301063
53. Bassey EA, Nyong E. Prevalence and Perinatal outcome of Low Birth Weight Infants in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria. W J Biomed Res 2016;3(1):43-46.
54. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy outcome. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2016. www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/anc-positivepregnancy-experience/en/ Accessed May 25, 2021
55. Adeosun LT, Amosu AM. Maternal Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Babies Delivered in Selected Primary Health Care Centres in Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT, Nigeria. African Journal of Health, Nursing and Midwifery. 2021;4(3):121–38 Doi: 10.52589/ajhnm-izvheflx
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57. Olowonyo T, Oshin S, Obasanjo-Bello I. Some factors associated with low birthweight in Ogun State, Nigeria. Niger Med Pract. 2006;49(6):154-157 Doi:10.4314/nmp.v49i6.28823
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Feb 4, 2026
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Michael, A., & Abdallah, R. (2026). Maternal factors associated with low-birth-weight deliveries in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. Nigerian Medical Journal, 66(5), 1870–1885. https://doi.org/10.71480/nmj.v66i5.1049
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